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Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1- associated infective dermatitis in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

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R E S E A R C H A R T I C L E

Open Access

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1- associated

infective dermatitis in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Carol Hlela

1,2*

, Natalie Graham

3

, Ahmed I Bhigjee

4

, Graham P Taylor

5

, Nonhlanhla P Khumalo

6

and Anisa Mosam

2

Abstract

Background:The Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated infective dermatitis (IDH), is a chronic relapsing dermatitis which usually presents in children older than 2 years. A total of 300 cases have been reported worldwide (Latin America, the Caribbean and only 5 from Senegal). Neither IDH, nor its complications have been reported from the rest of Africa. We aimed to examine the clinical and aetiological characteristics of IDH in a cohort of South African children.

Methods:Attendees at the dermatology clinic at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban underwent clinical examination. After obtaining consent those suspected of IDH had specimens taken for blood counts, immunoglobulins, serum protein electrophoresis, viral studies (including genotyping), skin swabs and stool examinations.

Results:Nineteen of 60 suspected cases recruited over 3 years met the diagnostic criteria for IDH. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2; mean age 8 years (range 0.7 to 15). Dermatitis mostly affected the scalp (78.9%) and axilla (73.7%); fewer children had nasal crusting (47.4%). Mean Ig A, IgG and IgM were raised, at 3.52 g/l, 22.6 g/l and 1.38 g/l, respectively. The median CD4 cell count was 1958 cells/mm3. Viral genotyping of all tested samples were positive for theCosmopolitan, Subtype A(HTLV-1a).

Conclusions:IDH is a distinct entity which also affects South Africans. Our patients were older at presentation and the majority did not present with nasal crusting as has been described in other countries.

Background

The human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated infective dermatitis (IDH) was first reported in Carribean children; the incidence and pathogenesis are unknown. Somewhat reminescent of seborhoeic dermatitis, the clinical presentation of IDH is that of severe exudative dermatitis with crusting of the scalp, neck, axillae, groin, external ear, and retro-auricular areas; watery nasal discharge, and/or crusting of the an-terior nares, from about 2 years of age. We identified fewer than 30 publications which report less than 300 cases of IDH worldwide; reviewed in [1] The largest series reported 50 patients from Jamaica [2]. There has only been one report of five African cases with IDH from Senegal [3]. IDH has been linked with the

development of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/paraparesis (HAM/ TSP) [4-7]. We aimed to examine the clinical and aetiological characteristics of IDH in a cohort of South African children.

Study subjects

Following ethical approval by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, University of KwaZulu Natal, we en-rolled sixty individuals with suspected IDH, screened using the established criteria, Table 1 [2], amongst out-patients attending dermatology clinic at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban KwaZulu Natal (KZN). Where possible, the parents and siblings of the HTLV-1 sero-positive participants were also recruited. Written in-formed consent was obtained from the patients for publication of this case series and the accompanying im-ages. A detailed dermatological examination was done. Formal ophthalmologic and neurologic examinations were conducted on patients who had symptoms and/or signs

* Correspondence:carol.hlela@uct.ac.za

1

Division of Dermatology; Red Cross Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

2

Department of Dermatology; Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Congella, Durban, South Africa Full list of author information is available at the end of the article

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of visual and neurological abnormalities respectively. Diagnosis of HAM/ TSP was made according to WHO guidelines [8].

Methods

Blood counts, measurement of immunoglobulin levels, serum protein electrophoresis, viral studies, skin swabs for bacterial culture and examination of stool samples for para-sites were done. All enrolled participants (n = 60) had HTLV-1 and HIV-1 serological testing done. HIV-1 ser-ology was performed using the Vironostika HIV-1 IMPVD Microelisa system (Biomerieux, Durham, NC) with all posi-tives samples confirmed by a second HIV ELISA test. Serology for HTLV-1 was performed on plasma using an enzyme-immune assay (EIA) that detects anti-HTLV-1 and anti-HTLV-2 antibodies (Ab-Capture EIA Test System – Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., Rarita, New Jersey). HTLV-1 Western blots were not available so HTLV-1 infec-tion was confirmed by HTLV PCR. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of sero-positive patients using the QIAamp Blood kit (Qiagen Inc., Chatsworth, CA, U.S.A). Detection of a 318-bp product or a 161-bp product confirmed the presence of HTLV-1 or HTLV-2pol respectively. To sub-type HTLV-1 a fragment of LTR was amplified by nested PCR using primers 12P1/ SK111 and 12P5/1P1/2P3 and sequenced (n = 6) as previ-ously described [9]. HTLV-1 proviral copy number and beta-globin gene copy number were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR monitored by SYBR Green I dye incorporation in a Roche LightCycler 1.5, using the Tax sequence-specific primers SK43 and SK44. HTLV-1 copy number was estimated by interpolation from standard curves and expressed as a percentage of infected PBMCs.

Results

Over a 3-year period, in an outpatient setting where over 3000 patients with varying skin conditions are seen, 60 participants, were enrolled. Thirty-three patients were HTLV-1 seropositive, nine of these were co-infected with HIV-1. In addition to the positive clinical findings, 19 patients underwent HTLV DNA PCR and all were confirmed HTLV-1 and therefore fulfilled the study cri-teria for IDH. Only HTLV-1 infected IDH confirmed subjects are included in the analysis (n = 19) and all HIV-1/HTLV-1 co-infected patients have been excluded from this analysis. The summary of the results is cap-tured in Table 2. The ages at time of testing ranged from 8 months to 15 years. The median age at first presenta-tion/ diagnosis was 8 years (IQR 7–11). The majority of patients (52.9%) were between 6 and 10 years old, 68.4% were female. All were Black African. The scalp (78.9%) and axillae (73.7%) were regions most commonly af-fected. Only nine patients (47.4%) had chronic nasal dis-charge or crusting of the anterior nares. Lesional skin cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus in 55.6% and for Streptococcalspin 33.3%. The streptococ-cal species were a combination of: ß-haemolytic

strepto-coccus (BHS) groups A, B, C and G, together with

Streptococcus pyogenes.The most common of these was BHS group G. The blood count data revealed anaemia in 20% of the participants. The lymphocyte and platelet counts were within normal ranges, but the ESR was ele-vated at 40 mm/hr (normal range3-9 mm/hr) in all par-ticipants. The immunoglobulin levels that could be measured in our laboratory were raised. The median CD4 count was elevated, with the CD4 count percentage of 56% (normal range 36-46% for children) while the CD8 count fell within normal limits, and therefore CD4: CD8 ratio was elevated. The median HTLV-1 proviral load was 10.5% (range 1.8-29.8%). All HTLV-1 isolates genotyped were of the Cosmopolitan, Subtype A (HTLV-1a). Of the nine family members tested, five were mothers of the enrolled IDH patients. Four of the 5 mothers had clinical lesions of IDH and were HTLV-1 seropositive. One mother had no features for IDH but HTLV-1 serology was not performed. Initially patients received short courses of antibiotics but this was associ-ated with relapses on stopping treatment. Control was maintained when penicillin-containing oral antibiotics were given simultaneously with mild-to-moderate top-ical steroids continuously for three to six months.

Discussion

HTLV-1 is endemic in KZN with a reported seropreva-lence of 2.6% in the Ngwelezana [10] and of 3.35 in Ubombo (Tarin, 1997) both districts within the same province as Durban. The mean age of our cohort (8 years) was much older than reported in the Caribbean Table 1 Clinical criteria for IDH diagnosis

Major Minor

1. Eczema of scalp, axillae and groin external ear and retro-auricular areas, eyelid margins, paranasal skin and/or neck

1. Positive cultures for

Staphylococcus aureusand/or

Beta-haemolytic streptococcusfrom the skin or anterior nares

2. Chronic watery nasal discharge without other signs of rhinitis and/ or crusting of the anterior nares

2. Generalized fine papular rash (in most severe cases)

3. Chronic relapsing dermatitis with prompt response to appropriate therapy but prompt recurrence on withdrawal of use of antibiotic

3. Generalized lymphadenopathy with dermatopathic lymphadenitis

4. Usual onset in early childhood 4. Anaemia

5. Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 antibody seropositivity

5. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate

6. Hyperimmunoglobulinaemia (IgD and IgE )

7. Elevated CD4 count, CD8 count, and CD4/CD8 ratio

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where IDH usually presents between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Perhaps the subtropical climate of South Africa could explain these differences or the disease may be less severe in the early stages resulting in late presenta-tion. The clinical features of IDH in South Africa are similar to that described elsewhere. However, chronic nasal discharge and/or nasal crusting was much less common that expected, (a mandatory criteria for diagno-sis). These findings support the suggestion by de Oliveira [11] and Suite et al. [12] who have contested the inclu-sion of nasal crusting as a major criterion for the diag-nosis of IDH. Farre et al., in their evalution of 42 cases from Brazil, records the fact that not all but 30 of their 42 cases, from Brazil exhibited crusting of the nares [13], raising the same issue that crusting around the nostrils should not be mandatory in cases of IDH. There appears to be a major difference between the disease in South Africa and that in Senegal, Brazil and Jamaica.

Our cases had less severe IDH presentation than in the those from Senegal where lesions were more infective and crusted whereas the morphology of lesions in our study was more inflammatory than infective, (Figures 1 and 2). Complications have been reported in 30-35% of all patients with IDH [5,14]. However, the cases in our series had a low complication rate (15.6%), none of the cases had other HTLV-1-related complica-tions, such as HAM/TSP nor ATLL. The inconsistency in the presence of a generalized fine papular rash of the original description of IDH, taken together with our findings (the variation in presence of nasal crusting) ap-pear to affirm Mahe and co-worker’s speculation that there are minor variants of IDH which do not show all the features of full-blown IDH as reported in the litera-ture. Clusters of IDH were observed in 4 of the 9 families in this study, reinforcing the hypothesis that HTLV-1 infection, in all but rare cases of IDH, is from mother to child. All six viruses were of the widely preva-lent Cosmopolitan subtype A (HTLV-1 a), consistent with published data from KZN [15]. We had to exclude nine patients with clinical manifestations of IDH who Table 2 IDH study summary data: summary of the

analysis of 19 IDH patients Total enrolled n =60*

HTLV-1 + n =33

IDH confirmed

n =19

HTLV-1/HIV + n =9

(of n = 33)

Ethnicity all black african

HTLV-1 subtype

Cosmopolitan (1a)

Age mean 8 years

range 8 months −15 years (IQR 7–11)

Gender distribution

male 68.40%

female 52.60%

Microbiology Staph Aureus 55.60%

Streptococcal spp

33.60%

Clinical examination

dermatological scalp (78.9%) and axilla (73.7%) commonest sites of involvement

neurological no evidence for HAM/ TSP

opthalmological corneal opacities 3 (15.6%)

Immunologic parameters

mean (normals) g/l

IgA 3.52 (0.65-2.9)

IgG 22.6 (5.2-15.6)

IgM 1.38 (0.28-2.4)

SPEP mean (normals)

g/l

Albumin 32.5 (3250)

Alpha 1 globulin

4.0 (1.72-3.30)

Alpha 2 globulin

11.1 (4.2-8.7)

Beta globulin 11.4 (5.2-10.5)

Gamma globulin

26.7 (7.1-14.5)

Blood counts mean (normals)

Hb 12.3 (11.5-13.5) g/dl

WBCC 10.1 (4-11x10^9)

Platelets 405 (150-450x10^9)

ESR 40 (3–9 mm/hr)

Table 2 IDH study summary data: summary of the analysis of 19 IDH patients(Continued)

CD4 count 1958 (500–1500) cells/mm3

CD8 count 1150 (436–2278) cells/mm3

CD4 : CD8 ratio

1.7:1

HTLV-1 proviral load

mean (range%)

10.5 (1.8-29.8)

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were co-infected with HIV. Interestingly these were all adults whereas IDH is considered a childhood disease. However, there have been case reports of IDH beginning in adult life [16,17]. The lack of a published scoring sys-tem to assess severity of lesions in IDH makes compari-son of the clinical appearances of lesions in those co-infected with HIV-1, difficult. It was therefore difficult to determine whether the co-infected cases were truly IDH, or HIV-related seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Except for the absence of anemia in our study popula-tion in contrast to the previous reports, other laboratory

a

b

Figure 1A typical patient with IDH showing exudative dermatitis with crusting on the face, scalp, external ear, and retro-auricular areas. a. also demonstrates crusted lesions on face together with blepharitis that characterises IDH in most patients.

b. Shows an exudative dermatitis with crusting on the face, scalp, external ear, and retro-auricular areas.

a

b

c

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parameters were in keeping with what has been docu-mented in the previous descriptions.

The data show that cases of IDH had a significantly high HTLV-1 proviral load (mean levels of 10.5%). It has been suggested that IDH act as a cofactor for the devel-opment of HTLV-1- associated diseases, such as HAM/ TSP and ATLL but the mechanisms are still unclear. HTLV-1 proviral load levels is regarded as important predictor of ATLL and HAM/TSP. It would be interest-ing to follow all the identified cases with IDH over time and monitor the clinical evolution of the disease to de-termine if they develop any of the HTLV-1 associated conditions (ATLL, HAM/TSP).

Conclusions

IDH is a distinct entity that affects the African popula-tion of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. It is predominantly a disease of childhood. The clinical features were in keeping with other series worldwide. Some differences in presentation are noted, particularly later age of onset and less nasal discharge. Interplay between genetic fac-tors and environmental (including socioeconomy and climate) factors, may determine the age of presentation, severity of lesions and therefore explain the variation of IDH presentations between countries. The currect IDH criteria, needs revision. Crusting of the anterior nares should not be mandatory. The revised criteria should take into consideration the heterogeity this disease might have between different geographical locations.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authorscontributions

CH and AM conceived, designed, realized the study and analysed data. GPT and NG perfomed some of the experiments included in the results of this study. AIB perfomed nuerological examinations. CH, AM and NPK wrote the paper. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgements

I wish to thank Dr Luiz Alcantara and his team, from Bahia School of Medicine, Brazil for their contribution in PCR sequencing. Drs Ncoza Dlova from the Department of Dermatology, University of KwaZulu Natal. and Nilesh Morar from Westminister and Chelsea Hospital, UK for their support.

Author details

1Division of Dermatology; Red Cross Childrens Hospital, University of Cape

Town, Cape Town, South Africa.2Department of Dermatology; Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Congella, Durban, South Africa.3Virology Laboratory, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.4Neurology

Department, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Congella, Durban, South Africa.5Department of GU Medicine and

Communicable Diseases, Imperial College, Faculty of Medicine, Norfolk Place, London, UK.6Division of Dermatology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory,

Cape Town, South Africa.

Received: 8 February 2013 Accepted: 11 October 2013 Published: 23 October 2013

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Sanches JA:Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infective dermatitis emerging in adulthood.Int J Dermatol2009,48:723–730.

doi:10.1186/1471-5945-13-11

Figure

Table 1 Clinical criteria for IDH diagnosis
Table 2 IDH study summary data: summary of theanalysis of 19 IDH patients (Continued)
Figure 1 A typical patient with IDH showing exudativedermatitis with crusting on the face, scalp, external ear, andretro-auricular areas

References

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